Delivering sidewalk improvements with a focus on safe walking and biking routes to schools

Preserving the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Pursuant to Tigard Charter Section 52, no levy funds would be used to build light rail.

What if the measure does not pass?Tigard would begin reducing programs funded by the city’s general fund in July 2018. Current budget proposals would reduce police specialist positions for criminal investigation, school resource officers, and youth programs. Additional budget reductions would reduce library programs and open hours, maintenance for parks and recreation programs.

Why is Tigard seeking a local option levy?Tigard is growing and city services are not keeping up with the demands of growth. Over the last 10 years, Tigard’s population grew 9.7 percent while the number of city staff has gone up by less than one percent, and the Tigard Police Department’s authorized positions have declined. Oregon voters passed Measure 50 in 1997, placing a limit on property tax revenue of 3 percent increase per year, while the costs of general fund services grow at a faster rate. Although property taxes are a major revenue source, they cover about 44% of city general fund costs.

Have other options been considered?Tigard has implemented other funding sources, including local fees, taxes and rate increases to benefit the general fund. The city has also taken measures to cut costs over the last decade, including deferring needed repairs, asking city employees to contribute to health insurance costs, and drawing on emergency reserves.

How would the measure affect property taxes?The levy rate would be $1.18 per $1,000 assessed value. The five-year levy would start in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018. For the median home value in Tigard with taxable assessed value of $250,280 (different than market value), the yearly cost in 2018 would be about $295.

Election Day: Tuesday, May 15Oregon elections are conducted by mail. Mail or drop off your completed ballot to a county election office or an official drop site ballot box by 8 p.m. on election night. Washington County Elections needs to have the ballots in its possession by 8 p.m. on Election Day for them to count.

Official Drop SiteTigard City Hall (13125 SW Hall Blvd.) is an official drop site. There is a drive-through ballot box located at the north end of the city hall parking lot. Look for red and white “VOTE” signs directing you to the official ballot box.